NYK Line, in collaboration with Japan Marine United Corporation, Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., and Kokuka Sangyo Co., Ltd., has completed the world’s first ship-to-ship (STS) ammonia bunkering operation for an ammonia-fueled vessel.
The operation was conducted on September 17 at a quay within Japan Marine United’s Ariake Shipyard, where ammonia fuel was transferred via the STS method from the ammonia carrier Shoei Maru to an ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier (AFMGC) currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in November 2026.
The bunkering was carried out in preparation for the AFMGC’s sea trials using fuel ammonia. The participating companies established detailed safety procedures and work processes following extensive consultations, enabling the ammonia transfer to be completed safely.
Ammonia is being considered a next-generation marine fuel because it produces no CO₂ emissions during combustion. However, its toxicity presents significant challenges for safe handling and fuel-supply operations.
The successful STS bunkering has provided the companies with practical experience in safely supplying ammonia fuel and is expected to contribute to the development of fuel-supply systems required for the wider adoption of ammonia-fueled vessels.
With the AFMGC nearing completion, the operation marks a significant milestone in the development of ammonia bunkering infrastructure, supply-chain capabilities and the commercial deployment of ammonia-fueled vessels.